Researchers investigating the processes of muscle degeneration and regeneration in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gained new knowledge of the pathways involved in muscle denervation and reinnervation. Specifically, they examined how proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle stem cells are affected by ALS, and potential biomarkers for disease progression. The study, “Skeletal Muscle Remodelling…

The American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting(AAN 2016), in Vancouver, British Columbia, featured significant advances in the understanding and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among presentations at the April event, were ALS focused studies conducted by Dr. Sara van Mossevelde, Dr. Adriano Chio, Dr. Lindsey Hayes, Dr.

New research reports that environmental pollutants appear to influence the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study, “Association of Environmental Toxins With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis,” was published in JAMA Neurology by University of Michigan researchers working on pesticide and other environmental exposures. “From the first ALS patient I…

1. Managing Secretions Secretions is a common problem for patients who suffer from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but there are treatment options that can help dry out the secretions. Medicines or a suction machine are among them. 2. Sleep Problems ALS patients may experience sleep issues due to…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given Fast Track designation to VM BioPharma’s lead investigational drug candidate, VM202, a potential gene therapy for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). VM BioPharm is planning to publish data from its Phase 1/2, open-label trial assessing the safety and…

The ALS Association, ALS advocates, and representatives from the National Health Council joined Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ) in a Capitol Hill press conference to urge Congress to enact the Dormant Therapies Act, which Lance helped sponsor. “We need a new way. Right now, there is no treatment available that significantly slows…

Stephen Hawking became known in the 1970s for his research in the field of cosmology and ever since he has continued to publish worldwide recognized studies. But one of his greatest achievements has been his fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Against all odds, the physicist is now 74 years old,…

A bill that would waive the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — legislation supported by the ALS Association during its recent National ALS Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. — has been introduced into the U.S. Congress. Called the ALS Disability Insurance Access…

This year’s ALS Association-sponsored Drug Company Working Group meeting — to review recent trial results and discuss new developments in the search for ALS treatments — was held in April as part of the 68th American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada, the world’s largest gathering…

Persistent environmental pollutants like pesticides are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and may represent modifiable ALS disease risk factors, according to a study published online in JAMA Neurology, titled “Association of Environmental Toxins With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.” ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease. Persistent exposure to…